Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions

Posted on December 22, 2016

Another new year is now upon us. And, if you are like a lot of people, you may have made a New Year’s Resolution or two. And, more than likely, some of those may have to do with your health. In fact, the vast majority of resolutions are around leading a healthier lifestyle or losing weight. As your heart doctors, we fully endorse such resolutions. But, we also know that keeping New Year’s resolutions is very difficult.

Did you know that most people fail at keeping their New Year’s Resolutions? While the first week of January sees hordes of people flocking to gyms and yoga studios, by the second week of February, 80 percent report that they have failed in keeping their resolutions. And, by the end of the year, only eight percent of people report meeting any of their New Year resolutions. When people fail their resolutions, they can get disappointed and depressed. So, how can you stand a better chance of keeping your New Year’s resolutions?

Tips for Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions

Narrow the Focus of Your Resolutions

Oftentimes, people fail to keep their resolutions simply because they have too many. When thinking through all your different resolutions, really focus on one or even two that are truly important to you. Spreading yourself too thin and trying to keep up on too many resolutions can create a situation where you could struggle with keeping even one.

Be Specific with your New Year’s Resolutions

Sometimes resolutions are too broad, so you need to be specific. For example, you can’t just say, “I want to exercise more.” Instead, have something specific like, “I will go to the gym every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after work.”

Be Ready to Break Habits

Sometimes, to keep resolutions, really means you must be willing to break other habits in order to make room for your goal. If you do plan to work out more, then you may have to break the habit of sleeping in too late or giving up an hour of evening television.

Be Accountable to Someone

Sometimes, having support from others will help you accomplish your goals. Find a friend who you can confide in about your resolutions and ask them to help keep you accountable. Who knows, they may have resolutions that they need help with too, so you can help each other out.

Forgive Yourself for not Being Perfect

It is a marathon, not a sprint. Resolutions do take time to accomplish. In fact, it can take up to 22 days for something new to become a habit (like waking up early to get in a morning workout). But, if you have a little dip here and there, it is OK. Just keep trying and pushing forward. Don’t give up if you happen to stumble. No one accomplishes meaningful New Year’s resolutions in one day or even in one month. Resolutions are typically about forming new and positive behaviors and better lifestyle changes which take longer.

How to Use this Information

We love New Year’s resolutions. Especially the ones that help create better and healthier lifestyle choices. That is why we offer a lot of heart healthy classes. From cooking demonstrations to Tai Chi and Zumba, we have a lot of choices for you. Take a look at our classes and sign-up for one this new year.